Zhao Yifang
Huace Group has launched to the global market its new series "Swords into Plowshares", a historical drama built around a powerful idea: that peace can be more compelling than conflict. Señal News spoke exclusively with Zhao Yifang, Founder & CEO of Huace Group, about this premium series from China to the world.
“Swords into Plowshares”explores the idea that peace can be more powerful than conflict. How did this concept shape your storytelling approach?
“The historical background of ‘Swords into Plowshares’ is set during Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. In the parallel time of the west, Otto I went on a Southern expedition to Italy and established ‘Holy Roman Empire’. Germany became to be the center of Europe. For decades, both East and West endured relentless warfare, leaving common folk struggling to survive and the dead lying unburied. Amid the chaotic battlefields, the young national heroes emerged, recognizing that only national unification could end the tragedy of war. Just as the protagonists of ‘Swords into Plowshares’—Qian Hongchu, King of Wu Yue, and Zhao Kuangyin, founding emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty—endured national division and social revolt, they ultimately reached a consensus on national peace, unification, and development and finally achieving the unification of Song Dynasty. It’s also a great contribution of history on the world stage.”
You’ve described the series as “The Last Kingdom meets The Crown.” What kind of emotional or visual tone can audiences expect from this combination?
"’Swords into Plowshares’ is closer to a Chinese version of ‘The Last Kingdom’. In character development, both series focus on national heroes emerging from turbulent times, where territorial invasions and identity conflicts fuel the protagonists' awakening consciousness. They tell stories far beyond individual heroism. Instead, through the protagonists' perspectives, they reveal the brutality of war, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the relentless flow of history. It is carrying grand, epic-scale narratives. In its portrayal of human nature, ‘Swords into Plowshares’ contains the humanistic struggles faced by monarchs, the same as ‘The Crown’. Queen Elizabeth in ‘The Crown’ often make brutal choices between personal emotions and national duty. Similarly, in ‘Swords into Plowshares’, as three imperial rulers endure the ultimate test of loyalty to family and nation, personal ambition, and the irresistible trend of history. Thus, this is not only an epic of the Song Dynasty, but also a profoundly human story that delves into how three heroes make their difficult choices at a historical crossroads. During production, ‘Swords into Plowshares’ employed a global audiovisual language for its narrative structure and storytelling approach. Filmed in 8K ultra-high definition, the production featured over 550 sets, more than 8,000 costumes, and achieved aesthetic perfection and masterful craftsmanship in every aspect—lighting, makeup, hair, props—showcasing China's cultural heritage traditions. At the narrative level, ‘Swords into Plowshares’ employs an immersive storytelling approach, departing from traditional didactic narratives. It distills the cultural DNA of the Chinese nation. This allows global audiences back to that turbulent era through audiovisual and emotional immersion, deepening their appreciation for the extraordinary significance of ‘World Peace’ amidst blood and fire.”
With Yang Lei and Dong Zhe leading the creative vision, what do you think makes this project stand out from other large-scale Chinese historical productions?
“The core theme of ‘Swords into Plowshares’ is the exploration of humanity's ultimate goal and values throughout history. The protagonists must suppress their desires and ambitions, relinquishing all land, wealth, and subjects to achieve national unification. This narrative elevates humanitarianism, compassion, and mercy to supreme core values. Secondly, the chaotic landscape of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, mirrors shifting global power dynamics through diverse factions and ideologies. This rich tapestry offers compelling viewing and discussion points, resonating as a timely theme in contemporary society. At the creativity level, the program gathered China's top historical drama production team, undergoing a decade-long development time. Screenwriter Dong Zhe refined the script over three years, exhaustively researching all available historical records of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era. The production underwent over two years to produce the show, with more than 1,800 crew members and cast members upholding professional integrity and an unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence. Every detail was meticulously refined to achieve world-class standards. Director Yang Lei stated: ‘Swords into Plowshares’ aims to reintroduce the world to the profound depth of Chinese historical dramas. We hope it will ignite a ‘Chinese wave’ on global screens with its compelling narrative and competitive edge."
What other highlights is the company showcasing to the global market?
“This time we also bring ‘The Heir’, starring Yang Zi and Han Dongjun. As an inspirational story of female empowerment in China, the series uses the national treasure ‘Hui ink’ as its narrative carrier, tell the revival of the Li family on ink production. Using ink as its narrative lens, the series employs vivid and detailed visual language to authentically recreate the ink-making industry. Furthermore, the story expands from Huizhou ink to encompass the Four Treasures of the study, architecture, and painting styles, showcasing the inheritance and revival of traditional Chinese culture. Additionally, we aim to further expand Huace Group's global brand influence. For over 30 years, Huace Group has been dedicated to creating and globally disseminating Chinese film and television content, sharing compelling Chinese narratives worldwide and conveying the timeless vision of human civilization. This commitment has yielded outstanding audiovisual works such as ‘Eternal Love’, ‘Go Ahead’, ‘The Long Ballad’ and ‘Meet Yourself’. Simultaneously, riding the wave of China's reform and opening-up, Huace Group has seized opportunities in technological transformation and international collaboration. Guided by the principles of technology-driven innovation and global win-win cooperation, it continues to propel the progress and development of the entertainment industry. Huace Group has been committed to content creation, currently produces and distributes over 1,000 episodes of television dramas annually. The business is also covering TV series, films, animation, music, talents, education and etc, maintaining its position as China's No.1 in terms of annual production, broadcast volume, export volume, and brand influence.”
